From Where We Are

USC report links ICE raids to economic strain in Orange County

Photo of an ICE agent.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Baltimore Field Officer director Matt Elliston listens during a briefing, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

A new study from USC’s Equity Research Institute says, recent immigration enforcement actions are impacting Orange County’s immigrant communities and economy. Researchers found that undocumented residents play a vital role in the local workforce, but fear of raids is keeping many from work, school, and daily routines.